WORRIED residents are concerned that a planned housing development in the heart of Wellington could become a ‘death trap’ unless a safer access to the site can be made.

People who live in the Bishops Court complex fear that plans to build 42 flats and homes on the nearby Cornhill site between North Street and Fore Street could lead to tragedy and have said it would be an ‘accident waiting to happen’.

Developers Freemantle Capital Partners plan to demolish buildings and rebuild and extend others to create the development with access via a public car park at North Street.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s planning committee met on Monday and gave their support to the application in principle.

But concerns about the access were expressed with councillors recognising that the car park was already used as a rat-run by motorists wanting to avoid the traffic lights at the Fore Street, High Street, North Street and South Street junction.

A number of residents attended the meeting to air their views and concerns about the development and, especially, the access.

“I am worried about the access as it is an accident waiting to happen and it will be on the council’s head when it does happen,” said one resident.

Another resident said: “There are going to be at least 35 cars going in and out of that development and it will be a death trap.

“When this accident does happen I hope the council will remember it was told about it.”

And another resident added: “The car park is already a rat-run so drivers can get around queueing at the traffic lights.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.